In a significant and contentious milestone, South Carolina carried out its first execution in over a decade, executing death row inmate Freddie Owens by lethal injection. Despite compelling last-minute claims of his innocence from a key witness who recanted prior testimony, the U.S. Supreme Court denied a stay of execution. The execution, which took place after the state secured the necessary drugs, drew protests and appeals for clemency from various citizens and advocacy groups, including an emergency letter from Rev. Anthony Evans. Owens' case has sparked debate about the reliability of witness testimonies and the ethics of capital punishment in light of new allegations surrounding his conviction.